Noor Riyadh Festival Attracts Millions And Wins 12 International Awards In Fifth Edition

The Noor Riyadh 2025 Festival, part of the Riyadh Art initiatives by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, concluded its fifth edition with over seven million visitors. This year's theme was "In the Blink of an Eye," featuring 60 light artworks by 59 artists from 24 countries. The festival took place across six main sites in Riyadh, including Al-Hukm Palace District and King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

Noor Riyadh achieved significant international recognition, securing 12 global cultural awards. These included the LIT Lighting Design Awards and the MUSE Design Awards. Additionally, the festival set four Guinness World Records. These records were for the largest moving water artwork and the largest illuminated emoji, among others.

Eng. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hazani, Executive Vice President of the Lifestyle Sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, highlighted Noor Riyadh's impact on urban enhancement through art. He stated that the festival plays a crucial role in establishing Riyadh as a global cultural hub. The event also featured an expanded community-engagement program with workshops and guided tours.

The festival's community-engagement initiatives attracted tens of thousands of participants. Activities included panel discussions and family events that enriched visitors' artistic experiences. Noor Riyadh aims to transform Riyadh into an open-air gallery, integrating public art into everyday life.

Looking ahead, the program plans to launch Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 next year. This international platform will unite sculptors from Saudi Arabia and abroad, further enhancing Riyadh's reputation as a leading arts center. Permanent artworks are also being installed across neighborhoods to make art a daily experience in public spaces.

As the world's largest light-art festival, Noor Riyadh embodies the vision of making art accessible to all residents and visitors in Riyadh. By continuing these efforts, the city strengthens its position as a vibrant cultural destination on the global stage.

With inputs from SPA